My Bench: Martin Lovell

MARTIN LOVELL

Works at: Lovells Jewellery Studio

Age: 57

Years in trade: 40 years

Training: Four-year apprenticeship followed by 39 years of learning

First job: Clausons Jewellers, Cairns

Other qualifications: Antwerp Diamond Broker

Favourite gemstone:

Tourmalines because the diversity of this gem can be likened to a chameleon, not that it changes colours at will, but because it can be found in so many different hues, it can challenge so many gemstones for colour and beauty.

Favourite metal:

18-carat yellow gold, its malleability and colour ticks all the boxes for me, it “feels” right in the hand, in the rollers, in the draw plates, on the anvil for forging and the eye both before polishing and especially after.

Favourite tool:

My fixed swing away torch to the side of my bench. It is so versatile utilising and frees my hands up for holding pieces for soldering.

Best part of job:

Having the ability to design and completely handcraft a piece of jewellery, from melting ingots through to the final setting by hand, the challenge now of mastering CAD programs.

Worst part of job:

Watchbands and batteries.

Best tip from a jeweller:

Always challenge yourself and always consider alternative ways to do a job.

Best tip to a jeweller:

You can learn from anyone, regardless of their experience level.